Polymer Nanocomposite Inks for Smart Textiles in Wearable Bioelectronics

Wearable biosensors, which can monitor heart rate, wrist pulse, body temperature and sweat bio-information, provide unprecedented opportunities for personal portable devices with remote medicine practices. Printing technology is a promising method for fabricating wearable textiles since it allows arbitrary pattern designs with a simple process. However, the conductive ink printed atop of textile substrate is vulnerable to cracks and delamination under constant motion. Here, we developed a stretchable silver nano-ink which can permeate into the structure of commercialized polyurethane-based nano-textile. The stretchability of the polymer nanocomposite ink offers ability to conform to arbitrarily shaped objects. Adequate choice of solvent and additives enables deep permeation into the textile. The conductive fillers, serving as conductive bridges connected with silver flakes, allow stable connections during deformation. Finally, we fabricated a surface electromyogram device and a strain sensor are to demonstrate the nanocomposite ink’s potential to be used in wearable textiles for healthcare devices and smart garment.